Oral history is a way to gather information from people who took part in past events. Gathering oral history is the technique of interviewing people who lived through historical events or time periods and recording their answers. The person being interviewed is often called the interview subject.
Choosing a Subject
You must identify a family member or someone in your community who lived during the Korean War and conduct an interview with that person. The interview must be at least 30 minutes in length.
Background Research
In addition to watching the video, I encourage you to read through this PowerPoint presentation on the Korean War to help you with the background knowledge necessary to conduct a strong interview.
Interview Questions
You must compose at least 10 interview questions to ask during your interview. The first question should ask who the person is: name, age, background info such as marriage, job, family, etc., and the same type of information for the person during the Korean War. Then, you may ask questions that will help you discern what role he or she played during the war and how it impacted him or her. Keep the following tips in mind when asking questions:
Avoid questions that invite a "yes" or "no" answer. Instead of "Did you support the Korean War?" ask "What were your feelings about the Korean War?"
Avoid leading questions that suggest the response you want. Instead of "Wasn't it exciting when Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the moon?" ask "How did people react when Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the moon?"
Ask open-ended questions that prompt a wide-ranging response. For example: "Tell me about your experiences during the Energy Crisis." or "What do you remember about the beginning of the Space Race?"
Plan to ask follow-up questions that elicit specific details. Ask "where" and "when" questions to pin down an anecdote. Ask for examples to back up a general observation. And always be ready to ask "why?"
Stories and anecdotes make for great oral history, so try to ask questions that will encourage your interviewee to share detailed, specific stories about his or her memories of war.
Interview Procedures
Figure out ahead of the interview whether you will film or record your interview and make sure all equipment is ready for the process so that you are not distracted with equipment issues during the interview process. Do not use any equipment that you are not familiar with ahead of the interview.
Before you begin the interview, ask your family member to sign and date a release form that explains the purpose of your interview and how you plan to use the information you collect. You should also sign the release form at the same time. (This may not be possible for some of you that cannot meet your interviewee in person)
Make sure your interviewee is comfortable.
Avoid inserting your own opinions or ideas in the interview. Simply ask questions and listen attentively to the responses.
Show the interviewee that you are listening through eye contact and receptive body language.
When you schedule the interview, ask your family member to bring along photos, news clippings, and any other items that might help them tell you about your topic. Such "pieces of the past" can stir vivid memories and provide a tangible link to distant times.
Print out your list of questions in a type size and format that is easy to read. Bring a pad of paper and a pen so you can make notes during the interview.
When you turn on the recording, create an aural label by saying, "This is (your name) and I am interviewing (your family member's name) on (the date) at (where the interview is taking place). We are going to talk about (your topic)."
To get things started, you might ask your interviewee to talk about where he or she was born and raised, or you can simply ask your first question.
Take your time during the interview. Let your family member take as long as he or she wants to give an answer. Don't feel you have to rush through your questions, and be careful not to interrupt. Sometimes just sitting in silence for a second or two can prompt a whole new set of recollections.
Resist the impulse to challenge the accuracy of your family member's memory. Telling someone they have the facts wrong usually makes them reluctant to keep talking. It can also turn a good interview into a pointless argument.
When you have asked all your questions, always ask one more: "Is there anything I haven't asked about that you think I should know?"
Before you turn off the tape, remember to thank your family member for helping you with your oral history project.
After your interview, you might send a copy to your family member along with a thank you note.
Publishing Your Interview
On your wikipage for the class you're attending (on the left margin), you will publish your interviews as a podcast, video, or as a written transcript.
If your podcast or video is in Korean, I will need you to summarize your interview in a podcast or video of your own on the same page. I also need you to post your interview questions and the release form on your page.
Analyze the historical significance of your interview and how you think it will help us better understand the Korean War in a reflection post on your wikipage. (this must be at least 250 words).
Your interviews will become available for future generations after you record and publish them. I will advertise them to the Korean War Museum and other appropriate historical institutions around the world. It is of upmost importance that you follow the procedures above so that your interviews are as credible as possible.
Korean War Oral History Project
What Is Oral History?
Oral history is a way to gather information from people who took part in past events. Gathering oral history is the technique of interviewing people who lived through historical events or time periods and recording their answers. The person being interviewed is often called the interview subject.Choosing a Subject
You must identify a family member or someone in your community who lived during the Korean War and conduct an interview with that person. The interview must be at least 30 minutes in length.
Background Research
In addition to watching the video, I encourage you to read through this PowerPoint presentation on the Korean War to help you with the background knowledge necessary to conduct a strong interview.
Interview Questions
You must compose at least 10 interview questions to ask during your interview. The first question should ask who the person is: name, age, background info such as marriage, job, family, etc., and the same type of information for the person during the Korean War. Then, you may ask questions that will help you discern what role he or she played during the war and how it impacted him or her. Keep the following tips in mind when asking questions:
Stories and anecdotes make for great oral history, so try to ask questions that will encourage your interviewee to share detailed, specific stories about his or her memories of war.
Interview Procedures
Publishing Your Interview
Your interviews will become available for future generations after you record and publish them. I will advertise them to the Korean War Museum and other appropriate historical institutions around the world. It is of upmost importance that you follow the procedures above so that your interviews are as credible as possible.
Assessment
Your work will be assessed as follows: